Whitebaiters Warned Not to Set Their Nets Post Earthquake

Authorities are warning whitebaiters to avoid setting nets along the Waimakariri or Kaiapoi rivers following the massive 7.1 earthquake that rocked the area nine days ago.

The Waimakariri District Council is having to discharge sewage directly into the Kaiapoi River after a major failure of the system in the wake of the quake and the Waimakariri River is also contaminated.

Civil Defence controller, Nick Harrison, is concerned some people don’t seem to appreciate the potential risks in continuing to use the rivers, either for fishing, kayaking and in particular whitebaiting.

“We know some baiters are still casting nets into contaminated waterways in the district despite health warnings. Clearly this is unwise when untreated sewage is being spilled into waterways.”

The kiwi delicacy is only available fresh for three months a year.

The whitebaiting season only opened in Canterbury in the middle of August, just 20 days before the devastating quake struck. The season ends on November 30th.

In general, the public are advised to avoid contact with any river water and sea water at this time, owing to possible contamination arising after Saturday’s earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

The Canterbury District Health Board is warning:

• Water should not be collected or drunk from affected waterways
• Fish or shellfish should not be collected from rivers or mouths, including whitebait.
• The rivers should not be used for recreational use, including swimming or boating.
• People should stay away from and avoid physical contact with impacted waterways

ENDS

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